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Supporters urge voters to approve Burlington High School project ahead of Nov. 15 vote

October 29, 2025 | Burlington Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts


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Supporters urge voters to approve Burlington High School project ahead of Nov. 15 vote
Several residents and parents told the Burlington School Committee during public comment that they support a proposed Burlington High School project and urged voters to approve a debt-exclusion question on Nov. 15.

Kristen Fergno, head of the Build BHS pack, told the committee she supports a "yes vote on this upcoming debt exclusion because our students and teachers deserve a facility that reflects the strength, values of our community." Fergno encouraged residents to review plans on the project website and attend one of three scheduled walk-through sessions before voting.

Monty Pearson, who addressed the committee after Fergno, urged caution about relying on state funding. He said the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) has rejected past Burlington applications and gives priority to overcrowding. "The most important criteria for whether or not you can get funding from the Massachusetts School Building Authority is overcrowding in your schools," Pearson said, adding that Burlington High School was designed for about 2,000 students and now enrolls roughly 950, which he said would disadvantage the town in MSBA scoring.

Other parents who spoke, including Hillary Cleck and Martha Simon, framed their support around accessibility and modern learning environments. Cleck said the project is about "creating a high school that welcomes and supports all learners," while Simon urged voters to consider rising construction costs if the town delays the work.

Administrators announced public walkthroughs at the high school to let residents view the facility and ask questions. The district listed two dates during the meeting: Wednesday, Nov. 5 (3 p.m.–6 p.m., main entrance) and Saturday, Nov. 8 (10 a.m.–11:30 a.m., main entrance). Officials also reminded residents that early voting begins the week following the meeting and said materials about the project are available on the project website.

Committee members and district staff noted accessibility would be a key element of any new design and encouraged attendees to consider how people with mobility limitations move through the building during the walkthroughs.

No formal committee action or vote on the BHS project took place at this meeting. The public comments and the announced tours were presented as information for voters ahead of the Nov. 15 debt-exclusion ballot question.

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Scribe from Workplace AI
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